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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Business students and professionals alike can greatly benefit from gorging on their forebears' biographies, memoirs and autobiographies — no matter their demographic. But considering difficulties faced by both historical and contemporary women, it makes sense that the female executives, entrepreneurs and innovators would seek out role models with whom they can better identify. Please do not take this listing as a comprehensive guide to the lives behind the stories, but rather a small sample for contemplation before further inquiry. It attempts to list a nicely broad swath of industries, perspectives and backgrounds, from fashion to some harrowing Bolivian mines…and all that sits between.

Chanel: A Woman of Her Own by Axel Madsen: Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel revolutionized fashion with her keen creativity and business acumen, and this biography peers into the celebrated woman's life and times. Author Axel Madsen blends the deeply personal with the impressively professional, painting Chanel as a three-dimensional individual enjoying high glamour and suffering wrenching tragedy.

On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker by A'Lelia Bundles: Although she weathered an incredibly difficult life of poverty and oppression from an early age, the brilliant businesswoman and philanthropist Madam C.J. Walker eventually earned the "first black female millionaire" honor after developing and marketing African-American hair care products. She also opened up some great career opportunities for African-American women, ensuring them more options beyond domestic servitude, providing important historical and cultural context (and commentary) for biographer A'Lelia Bundles.

Global Girlfriends: How One Mom Made It Her Business to Help Women in Poverty Worldwide by Stacey Edgar: This autobiography chronicles the humble beginnings and subsequent success of Stacey Edgar's Global Girlfriend initiative, though it focuses more on her work than her personal life. This amazing business offers up career opportunities for oppressed women worldwide, offering them fair pay, a nurturing environment and opportunities for creativity and growth.

Self-Made Man: One Woman's Year Disguised as a Man by Norah Vincent:More of a sociological work on arbitrary gender perceptions and roles than a straight-up business piece, Self-Made Man nevertheless provides some fascinating insight into uniquely masculine struggles. Norah Vincent lived as a man for an entire year, even taking on a sales position that sheds light on some issues male workers face that their female peers might not ever realize.

Oprah: A Biography by Kitty Kelley: Until the iconic lifestyle guru herself finally gets around to publishing her memoirs — and, come on, everyone knows she probably will! — most readers wanting to know more about Oprah Winfrey's life turn towards this popular, albeit unauthorized, biography. Through a series of interviews, she hears what relatives, friends and lovers have to say about one of America's most successful, hardworking and humanitarian media moguls.

Honeybee: Lessons from an Accidental Beekeeper by C. Marina Marchese:The founder of Red Bee Honey reflects on her fascination with all things apiary, gleaning plentiful professional and personal lessons in the process. Even those without any real connection to or interest in the natural world and cosmetics — C. Marina Marchese sprinkles her memoir with some cool recipes — can still walk away from this autobiography with something to ponder.

Autobiography of Mother Jones by Mother Jones: As one of the most influential working-class labor leaders in the United States, Mary Harris "Mother" Jones' passion for socioeconomic justice earned her the moniker "The Most Dangerous Women in America." Regardless of one's political leanings, reading her autobiography opens up an interesting historical perspective on business and economics.

Let Me Speak! Testimony of Domitila, a Woman of the Bolivian Mines by Domitila Barrios De Chungara: Another landmark piece in the worker's rights movement, this time taking readers inside the horrific conditions of Bolivian mine shafts. Both a glimpse into history and a treatise on keeping employees as safe and healthy as possible, Let Me Speak! looks at big business through the eyes of its most marginalized demographic.

The Road to Someplace Better by Lillian Lincoln Lambert: The daughter of poor Virginian subsistence farmers, Lillian Lincoln Lambert eventually shattered molds as the first African-American woman to graduate from Harvard Business School. Her amazing, inspiring autobiography chronicles the passion, hard work and occasional desperation that went into her eventual academic and professional success.

Martha Inc.: The Incredible Story of Martha Stewart Omnimedia by Christopher M. Byron: Love her or loathe her — no real middle ground apparently exists — Martha Stewart undeniably left an impact on business and media alike, particularly when it came to profiting off traditional homemaking activities. In this detailed biography, Christopher M. Byron explores her controversial public life, staggering financial success (some of it actually legitimate!) and personal history.

Suits: A Woman on Wall Street by Nina Godiwalla:Suits tells the very real story of a Zoroastrian banker who finds herself interning in the Manhattan offices of J.P. Morgan Chase — and discovering some highly disconcerting things about Wall Street's treatment of minorities and women. Nina Godiwalla presses on with the hopes of pleasing her parents, particularly her father, but ultimately concludes that such a high-pressure, low-tolerance atmosphere just doesn't gel well with what she needs and wants.

Seducing the Boys Club: Uncensored Tactics from a Woman at the Top by Nina DiSesa: Although more of a guide than a straight-up biography, McCann Erickson New York advertising executive Nina DiSesa certainly pulls from her own life to offer up advice. Many of the concepts regarding "making it in a man's world" might seem gendered to some readers, but it nevertheless provides an interesting — sometimes disheartening — glimpse at patriarchy's role in the corporate world.

Life on the Line: One Woman's Tale of Work, Sweat, and Survival by Solange De Santis: Solange De Santis put her investigative journalism skills to work on a GM assembly line in Ontario, keeping a detailed diary for 18 months. From there, she pointed out some startling safety, health and sexual harassment violations, but pointed out that the workers certainly did pour a hefty amount of blood, sweat and tears into their responsibilities.

20 Years at Hull-House by Jane Addams: Women and men alike working in the nonprofit sector — and general readers with a particular interest in humanitarianism and philanthropy — might want to pick up this classic memoir about a successful, influential settlement house. Jane Addams and her partner Ellen Gates Starr kept Hull House operating for over two decades, helping new immigrants better adjust to American life by forging tight-knit communities.

Seaworthy: A Swordboat Captain Returns to the Sea by Linda Greenlaw:Whether working on land or the sea, the captain of swordfish vessel Seahawkoffers up some incredible stories and advice regarding leadership, bravery and pressing on despite severe setbacks. Following a decade-long separation from fishing, Linda Greenlaw reflects on her return and the challenges she faced as the only American woman leading a swordfish boat and expedition.

All Things at Once by Mika Brzezinski: Best known as the co-host of MSNBC'sMorning Joe, Mika Brzezinski opens up about all the issues associated with trying to having a career, a husband and children — and unfortunately often neglecting the latter in favor of the former. For seasoned and novice businesswomen alike, her successes and failings can serve as valuable lessons in what to do and not do when simultaneously working and starting a family.

Tough Choices: A Memoir by Carly Fiorina: Carly Fiorina never really set out to be a businesswoman, but ultimately ended up serving as Hewlett-Packard's CEO of Technology for 6 years before her 2005 dismissal. Once amongst America's most powerful corporate women, she eventually published Tough Choices as a rumination on life in the boardroom — and how her decisions ultimately came to shape her rise and fall.

The Letters of Sylvia Beach by Sylvia Beach: Literature aficionados recognize Sylvia Beach as the Shakespeare & Company owner and operator partly responsible for Ernest Hemingway's career. But her influence spread much, much further than that, and this work collects her correspondence with such luminaries as Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound and plenty more.

Drunken Ohio Woman Accused of Spraying Deputies With Breast Milk

Stephanie Robinette, 30, a reported charter school teacher, allegedly got drunk at a wedding and sprayed deputies with her breast milk.

A drunken Ohio woman was arrested Saturday after she allegedly sprayed sheriff’s deputies with breast milk, the Delaware County Sheriff's Office said.

Stephanie Robinette, 30, reportedly a charter school teacher, is accused of getting drunk at a wedding and starting a dispute, hitting her husband a few times and eventually locking herself into her car.

Authorities say that when they arrived she screamed profanities and proceeded to remove her right breast from her dress and spray the deputies with her breast milk. Additional deputies arrived and were able to remove her from the car and arrest her.

She was released Monday after being charged with domestic violence, assault, obstructing official business, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, authorities said.

"I have no criminal record; I take these charges very seriously and I absolutely intend to seek help for substance abuse with alcohol because alcoholism does run in my family," Robinette said, 10TV News

The incredible X-ray that showed how cat named Hope survives being blasted by THIRTY airgun pellets

A cat called Hope has miraculously survived being blasted by around 30 airgun pellets, during a wave of senseless shootings across the UK.

The RSPCA has launched a hunt for the evil shooter and has released X-rays of some of the pellets inside Hope's body.

Hope's owner found her bleeding and near to death in Great Walsingham, Norfolk, and at first it was thought she'd been attacked by a dog because her body was ripped and torn.

Evidence: The vet's X-ray shows Hope's body filled with the bullets

But when she was transferred to the All Creature Healthcare centre in Norwich, X-rays showed that she had been peppered by around 30 shotgun pellets.

They were mostly in the back of her body but four were lodged in her head.

Vets' staff managed to remove about 10 pellets but some were left in case worse damage was caused removing them.

Hope is also suffering from a fractured toe as a result of the shooting.

The five-year-old moggy is recovering from her ordeal and is being treated at the Paws Centre in Norwich, which is run by the RSPCA Norwich and Mid Norfolk branch.

Her owner could not afford the veterinary treatment and she has been signed over to the care of the RSPCA.

Miracle survivor: Hope the cat was shot with 20 metal pellets from an airgun but thankfully survived

RSPCA inspector Amy Collingsworth said: ‘Hope is a really friendly and lovely cat, and it is hard to understand why someone would want to shoot an innocent animal. She is lucky to have survived.

'The RSPCA is investigating this incident and we would appeal to anyone who has any information regarding this shooting to contact us.'

Danah Fadhel, animal care supervisor at the PAWS centre, said: ‘Hope is a lovely cat and it is just sad that someone has deliberately shot at her, it is just horrific.

‘She is getting a lot of love and attention at the centre, and we hope that once she has made a full recovery we will be able to find her the loving new home that she deserves.’

Hope will be cared for by the RSPCA until she is well enough to be re-homed. She will require further vet checks for a number of weeks.’

The RSPCA branch say powerful modern airguns and other 21st century weapons are being used to ‘smash animals to smithereens’ in a wave of senseless shootings.

The charity says it is being swamped with pets and wildlife badly-injured by guns.

Cats are the most frequent victims but dogs, birds and other creatures are also blasted.

Last year the RSPCA dealt with 567 complaints, collections and rescues regarding air gun incidents nationally.

RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital director David Grant said: ‘After nearly 43 years as a qualified vet, the severity of injuries inflicted by airguns has increased dramatically.

‘Modern air guns have immense power and the pellets are not being embedded on the surface of the cat, as I used to regularly deal with, but are now passing through the body and smashing bones to smithereens.

When one thinks of beach reads, the usual stereotypes about bodice-ripping romances, bestselling memoirs everyone will forget next year, cliche-ridden genre fare and glistening pink chick lit probably spring to mind. These are all fine, of course, but not everyone out there necessarily enjoys such books. Time at the beach does not have to mean time away from soaking up old and contemporary classics or puking at the thought of another story about a debt-inducing Gucci bag, sparkling vampire or heaving bosom. Some might scoff at the alternatives as more appropriate for English class — and they very well might — but others might think them necessary for a lovely day of sand and sun.

Just remember that book lists such as this are generally pretty arbitrary — one person’s opinion out of several billion. As literature always has been and always will be an incredibly subjective art form, no real "right answers" truly exist.

Possession by A.S. Byatt: This haunting romance is as substantial as it is sensual, relaying the story of two academics slowly falling in love over their intense research.

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier: Mystery buffs who’ve never read Rebeccashould toss it in their beach bags immediately. Snuggle into the sand and get lost in the story of a woman obsessed with learning the truth about her husband’s mystifying first wife.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou: In this stirring, essential memoir, the former Poet Laureate of the United States comes of age and finds strength and an elegant, poetic voice amidst racism, sexism and abuse.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Set amongst the backdrop of a post-Apocalyptic United States, kids are sent out to murder each other for entertainment purposes. Suzanne Collins infuses her beloved young adult narrative with some amazing insight into contemporary attitudes towards dehumanization and a sterling, provocative deconstruction of teen romance.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi: Even audiences leery of graphic novels absolutely adore the often humorous, often tragic story of a young girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution and the hardships she suffers after fleeing to Europe.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: Despite the unfortunate racial and sexual politics, Gone With the Wind is still considered a classic to be poured over and discussed. Love her or hate her, central ing–nue Scarlett O’Hara makes for a fascinating character study.

Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya: Author Kamala Markandaya pulled from her own experiences to weave this bildungsroman about life as an Indian woman during a period of rampant industrialization.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: A young girl comes of age in Brooklyn during the early 20th century, navigating internal and external challenges with strength and grace.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: Family is a central theme of many popular beach reads, and none capture the triumphs, challenges and heartbreaks like these interweaved narratives of Chinese mothers and their first generation American daughters.

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel: Lost love, family drama and some seriously scrumptious recipes collide in one of the lushest, most beloved examples of magic realism ever published.

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri: This Pulitzer-winning volume of short stories features multiple perspectives from Indians and Indian-Americans, relayed in absolutely gorgeous prose.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: Step into the Chicago slums and watch as young Esperanza grows and dreams of carving a more productive life for herself in support of herself and her family alike.

The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian: Despite targeting a young adult audience, readers of all ages can walk away from The Gospel According to Larry thinking critically about the prominent role overconsumption and consumerism plays in society.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams: As gut-bustingly hilarious and absurd as it is genuinely provocative (on occasion), this heavily lauded science-fiction work delights even the most ardent genre detractors and makes for a surprisingly excellent beach read.

Fanny Hill: Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure by John Cleland: Donate those generic Harlequins and pick up an erotic classic from 1749, which boasts a torrid history of censorship and outrage almost as interesting as the book itself.

Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson: Jeanette Winterson’s semi-autobiographical debut novel sees a young woman coming to terms with her lesbianism despite intense pressure from an evangelical environment.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: Another excellent young adult read, perfectly capturing the isolation and myriad anxieties of adolescence with painstaking sensitivity.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman: Fantasy aficionados should considerAmerican Gods an essential read on the beach (or anywhere else). Here, deities literally walk the earth and wage war against the technologies and consumption edging them out of favor.

This is Not Chick Lit edited by Elizabeth Merrick: Readers tired of chick lit cliches will find this anthology of short stories a thoroughly refreshing departure from Jimmy Choos and constant whining about men and commitment.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker: As both a woman and a minority, protagonist Ceilie faces double marginalization during the Great Depression. But the bombastic Shug Avery opens her up to some brand new ideas and insights about herself and her body that she never thought possible.

After Dark by Haruki Murakami: Wander the dark streets of Tokyo, visit a lively (and dangerous) love hotel and get lost in a young woman’s drug-induced hallucinations without ever even leaving the beach.

Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris: An unconventional selection for a day in the sand, for certain, but a fascinating one about the last few months of a dying advertising agency.

Eleanor Rigby by Douglas Coupland: Until a chance meeting with her long-ago adopted son, protagonist Liz Dunn suffered beneath the crushing despair of loneliness and unfulfillment — but their reunion sparks just as much tragedy as it does inspiration.

Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk: Pick up Invisible Monsters for all the fashion and glamour of a more stereotypical beach read, but accompanied by some savage critique about society’s perceptions regarding beauty and identity.

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann: Though shamelessly trashier than almost anything released today, Valley of the Dolls‘ age and melodrama imbues it with a kitschy, campy quality rendering it more amusing than tiresome.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: An English class staple, Harper Lee’s rightfully lauded, quintessential and distinctly Southern bildungsroman might prove more enjoyable without having to analyze every page.

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway: Escape to Paris, encounter some of the most creative and influential "Westerners" and follow along on a rollicking road trip with F. Scott Fitzgerald, courtesy of this blissful memoir.

Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown: The indomitable Molly Bolt wants to become the world’s most celebrated filmmaker and unapologetically takes charge of her sexuality despite social stigmas against lesbianism.

Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston: Love and despair mark the life of courageous Janie Crawford, who may very well be one of the strongest female protagonists in American literature.

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein: Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas’ expatriate experiences come to vivid life through this lovely memoir of Europe, art, literature, food and culture.

The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett: Readers with no real love of the fantasy genre can still enjoy Terry Pratchett’s absolutely delightful, imaginative books, which skewer the absurdities of society and boast some incredibly lively wordplay.

As She Climbed Across the Table by Jonathan Lethem:As She Climbed Across the Table is the story of a sputtering and dying romance, but given a deliciously postmodern twist involving theoretical physics and a hungry, bizarre structure known as Lack.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac: Travel alongside the very reluctant progenitor of the Beat movement and get an extended glimpse of America through the eyes of voluntarily fringed individuals.

The Supermale by Alfred Jarry: When looking for something sexy without the purple prose found in most romance novels, consider Alfred Jarry’s extremely bizarre — yet oddly engaging — story of a very energetic lover and his wondrous lovemaking machine.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood: In a dystopian world, right-wing extremists rule with no mercy and stringent views of male and female behavior, but the rigid social and economic hierarchy proves far too extreme to sustain itself.

Lucky by Alice Sebold: Far too many writers use rape as cheap drama — or, even worse, a conduit for building romance – oblivious to the actual trauma victims suffer. Author Alice Sebold opens up about her intense physical, mental and emotional pain, resulting addiction issues and eventual treatment in order to illustrate rape’s very real ravages.

The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West: Plenty of satires about the trashiness lurking behind Hollywood’s glaring, glossy fraud exist, but none so thoroughly well-deserved and appropriately nasty as The Day of the Locust; One of the first, Nathanael West’s novel also happens to be one of the few essential examples of the genre.

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole: Despite its size, A Confederacy of Dunces reads extremely quick thanks to its frenetic pacing. It also happens to be one of the most hilarious books in the English language — more than enough to keep coastal visits light without compromising on quality.

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan: The antidote to the seemingly endless surge of novels about designer clothes, catty friends and sexy rich dudes, this influential essential reminds female and male readers that there’s much, much more to life. If nothing else, pick it up for history’s sake.

Walden by Henry David Thoreau: Henry David Thoreau may have exaggerated some elements of Walden, but the overarching theme of communing with the Earth works gels nicely with many different natural settings.

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko: A POW returns to the Laguna Pueblo Reservation after World War II, tormented by PTSD and rejection from both his Native American and Caucasian relatives.

White Teeth by Zadie Smith: Relax while simultaneously feeding the mind with Zadie Smith’s explosive debut, tackling gender, society, politics, history and plenty of other subjects in need of exploration.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell: Adventure buffs with a particular interest in survival tales have to throw Island of the Blue Dolphinsinto their beach bags. Scott O’Dell penned this enduring young adult novel after the startling true story of a marooned Nicoleno woman inspired him.

Naked by David Sedaris: Most of David Sedaris’ oeuvre would make for excellent beach, pool or anytime reading, but this particular essay collection blends heartbreak, awkwardness, family and presents it in an incredibly hilarious package.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson: There’s no better way to enjoy an historically significant expose on corporate greed and ecological abuse than on a secluded, unspoiled beach.

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell: Education and entertainment merge as celebrated memoirist, social observer and essayist Sarah Vowell travels from presidential assassination site to presidential assassination site, providing insight into American mindset.

The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson: The cyberpunk master delivers a fun, twisty sci-fi narrative about class and gender issues in a manner both compelling and adventurous.